Grokker and X2

Groxis' Grokker 2 was released at DEMO 2004. I downloaded the free trial, and all I can say is YUCK. What are these guys thinking? The idea of an interactive graphical representation of complex interrelated clusters of information (I think that's what this is) is certainly attractive. It's just that it never works. Maybe it's because really complex data ends up represented by really complex graphs, when the point is really simplification. Google simplifies complex information by doing a decent job of presenting the most important (or at least the most popular) stuff at the top of the list. Not perfect, but works for me.

On the other hand, I have been using X1 for about a month and I love it. In fact I love it so much that I paid $100 for it when the trial expired even though it crashes or locks up every day or two. This little jem indexes all your email, attachments and files and lets your search them REALLY FAST - including file content. Wow!

Very Good Movie Physics Site

For those (of which I am one) who are compulsively unable to suspend disbelief, here is a useful website, which rates movies as follows:

* GP = Good physics in general
* PGP = Pretty good physics (just enough flaws to be fun)
* PGP-13 = Children under 13 might be tricked into thinking the physics were pretty good; parental guidance is suggested
* RP = Retch
* XP = Obviously physics from an unknown universe
* NR = Unrated. When a movie is obviously a parody, fantasy, cartoon or is clearly based on a comic book it can't be rated but may still have some interesting physics worth discussing.

Cow Robs Bank